10 Amazing Movies Over Three Hours Long
8. Titanic
Runtime: 3 hours 14 minutes
Titanic has become quite hated over time, particularly online. The reasons are plentiful: some hate it because it's popular, while others dislike the way it monetizes a devastating historical event. But looking at the film as a whole, it's hard to deny that it's a skilful exercise in plot construction, cinematography, set design and music.
It has to be said how smartly Titanic builds its core romance between Jack and Rose. This isn't just about lust (though that certainly comes into play later), but rather, it's about two people struggling with their own identities who find solace in each other.
This is where the length of the film comes into play, as we're able to see every single moment of the pair's relationship, from beginning, to saddening end. We understand how and why they fall in love, and the fact that this is so well done makes the tragic sinking of the ship feel, well, more like a real event - there really could have been two star-crossed lovers onboard - rather than basic brain-dead cinematic destruction.
And after three hours of hearing Celine Dion's iconic track, good luck getting it out of your head.